A route into carpentry. Help preparing for an interview. English classes tied to the workplace. New state grants will support these kinds of career-building opportunities through two Chelsea-based nonprofits.

La Colaborativa received $200,000 for its carpentry pre-apprenticeship and career-readiness work. The Neighborhood Developers received another $340,000 for employment and English-language programs serving Revere and Everett. The combined award is $540,000, with each grant supporting a different group of residents.

According to the Revere Journal’s grant report, the funding comes through Massachusetts’ Community Workforce Partnerships program. The statewide announcement covers $6 million for 34 projects in 17 communities.

A route into the trades

La Colaborativa’s grant supports construction-focused training for Chelsea young adults and broader career-readiness work reaching more than 200 participants. That figure covers career readiness, not the number of carpentry apprenticeships.

The organization’s economic-development programs combine training with help finding and keeping work. Its wider young-adult initiative serves high-school graduates ages 18–25, connecting them with trade training, vocational education, and job-placement opportunities.

Carpentry is one route. The organization also lists training connected to heating and cooling systems, known as HVAC, and green jobs. Residents can ask which options fit their interests and experience, and what each program requires.

Preparation goes beyond learning a trade. La Colaborativa helps with resumes, applications, interviews, and job searches, and offers English and computer classes. Someone unsure how to write a resume or prepare for an interview can begin with those skills while exploring a longer training program.

Support across neighboring communities

TND’s $200,000 Revere Works Coalition award supports employment preparation for immigrant adults and youth. Its separate $140,000 Everett award supports English-language and employment services for approximately 100–120 low-income residents, including hospitality-oriented job placement.

These awards build on work across neighboring communities. Of the $540,000 total, $200,000 supports La Colaborativa’s Chelsea programming; TND’s $340,000 supports programs serving Revere and Everett.

TND’s existing job-search and training services offer a practical look at the help available through its CONNECT program. Bilingual career coaches assist people in identifying suitable work, improving resumes, finding training, applying for openings, and preparing for interviews.

The help can continue when an offer arrives. TND says coaches assist with questions about pay, schedules, and benefits, and problems after a person starts work. Eligible coaching participants may also receive help with training, transportation, or childcare costs through its job-search fund.

Finding the right starting point

Interested residents should ask the organizations about enrollment, eligibility, and schedules. Before choosing a program, ask who it serves, when classes meet, and what help is available with the costs of attending. The grants do not establish that every class is accepting applications immediately.

For Chelsea’s young adults, the carpentry award supports a path toward work in construction. Across the surrounding communities, the other awards pair language learning with employment help. Together, they support several steps between wanting a better job and being prepared to pursue one.